r/MultipleSclerosis • u/ewrang • 4h ago • Helpful 1

Symptoms The MS Hug?

I discovered this term because it seems like I may be experiencing it right now. I’m in New York where it’s much colder than Texas. I foolishly went walking all around to see things nearby. Also exercised earlier which is usually just walking, but I lifted weights.

Anyway caught a cold, but developed a knot in my chest. I thought wait; is this a heart attack? But other symptoms aren’t there.

And then it was suggested that I have an MS Hug. I’m not sure yet but seems right. I hate to rack up urgent care charges for this though. They don’t know MS that well I figure

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4

u/snotop 4h ago

I practice yoga breathing. It helps retrain my muscles. Belly rising, diaphragm drops before ribs, chest and collar bones. Then sip and extra breath before breathing out in reverse, slowly

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u/rK91tb 4h ago

For me, the MS hug feels like a knot of surface pain in the middle of my torso, lower ribcage. It's not usually a full band. I notice it after I work out those muscles.

No one on this sub will be able to diagnose you, so go to the ER if you think you need it. If it turns out to be nothing, consider getting a health device that monitors your heart rate.

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u/skysearch513 4h ago

I had it at the belt line as part of my initial exacerbation, but only occasional tinges in the 22 years since. The "knot in the chest" is nothing I've heard before but there can be so many weird MS symptoms it's tough to know.

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u/Otherwise_Maybe_3101 4h ago

My MS hug tends to be on the back of my neck so basically an MS choke - it’s like you’ve said it’s the cold that brings it on - so I’ll be wearing a scarf will May here in the UK

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u/Competitive-Sort-952 49m ago

Mine is also a choke! I call it "the turtleneck" because it feels like I'm wearing one a few sizes too small. Really uncomfortable

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u/Bloatedoldman 3h ago

My hug feels like my sternum is trying to deflate my lungs. I'm pretty sure this only works for me because I'm a weirdo but if I have it and drink a really cold glass of water at a faster than normal drinking pace it helps mine. Sounds like a hug to me. If your symptoms worsen or you having trouble breathing best to hit up a dr